“We all have a place at the campfire. It was Girl Scouts who first taught me that.” — Gloria Steinem

The recent passing of both Gloria Steinem and Dolly Parton has prompted many Americans to consider the impact of women who have affected change in our country. It was striking to see people across the political spectrum unite in mourning Parton, a woman beloved for her talent and generosity. Steinem’s remembrance has been more divided, reflecting how her advocacy has long sparked debate. As a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient, and current member of the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast board, it comes as no surprise that Girl Scout councils nationwide are among the organizations authentically celebrating and honoring the legacies of Parton and Steinem.

Both Parton and Steinem embodied the Girl Scout mission “to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place” in all that they did. Though they traveled different paths in their advocacy, both inspired generations of girls and women to dream bigger. And — notably — both are “famous formers.” One, Steinem, having worn the Girl Scout uniform in her youth and earned the contemporary equivalent of the Gold Award; the other, Parton, having become a champion of the movement and lifetime member in adulthood.

And yet, while Americans frequently uplift successful women and recognize the importance of women’s voices, our systems don’t always reflect that same commitment.

We celebrate icons such as Parton and Steinem, but invest far less in the organizations that help girls grow into women like them. Research from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy shows that just 2% of charitable giving in the United States supports organizations dedicated to serving women and girls. This includes organizations such as Girl Scouts; domestic violence services, which disproportionately serve women; and reproductive health organizations.

Only 2 cents out of every dollar, despite women and girls comprising 51% of the population.

If we want to build the next generation of empowered women, the best place to start is today’s girls. GSUSA’s Girl Scout Research Institute reports that girl‑only environments help girls build stronger peer relationships, collaborate more effectively and develop empathy — strong markers for success in adulthood.

Girl Scouting provides leadership development, outdoor experiences and confidence-building opportunities for girls. Most people know that it also teaches entrepreneurship (ahem, cookie sales), but Girl Scout offers far more. In fact, as Parton once said, “Be proud of who you are, and be kind to everyone you meet. That’s what Girl Scouting is all about.”

Engaged Girl Scouts consistently say they feel safe expressing themselves and are more willing to work together toward shared goals than those not in the movement. These outcomes reflect the heart of the Girl Scout mission.

Here in our region, Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast celebrates those values through our annual “Famous Formers” event. On Thursday, we will honor local women whose lives and leadership were shaped by their Girl Scouts experiences. These honorees represent a wide range of professions, backgrounds and accomplishments. Yet they share a common foundation: They learned early that leadership is service, that confidence can be curated through intention, and that making the world a better place begins in your own backyard.

Steinem reminded us that everyone deserves a place at the campfire. Parton spent her life helping others believe in themselves. The best way to honor legacies such as theirs is not only by remembering what they accomplished, but by ensuring the next generation of girls has the same opportunity to lead.

When we invest in Girl Scouts, we are doing more than funding a program. We are making room at the campfire for the leaders, advocates, innovators and changemakers our community will need tomorrow.

Sarah Linden-Brooks of Norfolk is the philanthropy chair of the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast.